The Vows We Fake

ate reminded

The iron gates groaned open, leading to a vault of memories I had tried so hard to suppress, memories of Zane and I engaged with

and stepped throu

ed. Her baby blue eyes widened in

yard that opened into a blue, shining lake. It had not changed in the five years since I had been here. It was the venue we had once dreamed of for our wedding, me

tate had the kind of silen

ent in my expression, for Leah side

replied. The

Your port

de up, cleverly hiding my fingers behind it. I hoped Leah won't notice that t

t just a

remise was anxiety inducing. The contract had arrived anonymously. High profile wedding. No in-person meetings until after the co

the client to talk things over with because I needed clarity on the contract.

bride. Not even part of the gu

ncidence, because

Anonymous client. No negotiations. First meeting at the venue itself. I should have said

eels echoing across the marble floor. A middle-aged, s

acknowledge Leah. "I'm Mr. Wade. I manage

hand. "Pleasur

n't ta

shot up to

lready turning on his heel. "

used. "I'd assumed he wouldn't

m to be part of plann

ter all, the contract stated that neither the groom

ilding creaked as Mr. Wade push

tchen. A charcoal suit clung to his body. His posture was stiff. He was examining the floral

knew him. He didn't even have to

kwood. My

he doin

s. Blood rushing behind my eyes distorted my view. I told myself it wasn't real. P

y from the door. He was taller than I remembered. Sharper. Colde

and I stopp

e. And his eyes, God, those dark eyes! His gaze swept across the room. He took in Leah first. Then Mr. Wade. Finally, he looked at me.

d through me like

destroyed everything. And for years, I had dreaded our reunion. Would he allow me to explain? Apolog

an who once loved me hadn't blotted me out completely from h

ackwood," he greeted. "Glad you c

t's make it quick. I'm only he

of bricks. My heart felt ripped into piec